Strong contradictions in autopsy report – Counsel

President’s Counsel Anuja Premarathne appearing on behalf of the rights of the aggrieved party informed the Colombo Additional Magistrate’s Court that there are strong contradictions in the autopsy report submitted by the Judicial Medical Examiner regarding the death of the Businessman Dinesh Schaffter.

He also noted that the same Judicial Medical Officer (JMO) has produced two different reports of causes of death.According to the report  submitted by the JMO recently, Dinesh Schaffter’s death was due to cyanide poisoning and the wounds sustained due to being strangled were not fatal.

The Criminal Investigations Department informed the Magistrate that the investigations have not been concluded yet.

Accordingly, the Magistrate ordered the CID to conclude the investigation into the incident and submit a final report to the court on the next calling date.

Testifying before the Magistrate,Sub Inspector Manoj Gayantha informed the Magistrate that the Investigations have revealed that there has been a loss of Rs.244 million during a business transaction between four businessmen including Brian Thomas. He further said that there were conflicts between the said businessmen and Dinesh Schaffter and that Shafter had filed a case against Brian Thomas as well.

When the Police officer who led the witness tried to ask for a conclusion that the death was due to cyanide poisoning mixed with food, the defense lawyer prevented it.

The President’s Counsel Anuja Premarathne highlighted that the aforesaid autopsy report was issued by a doctor who was interdicted by the Sri Lanka Medical Council since last December 20.The Magistrate fixed the order for March 8.